Senior Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction

Q-CTRL; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Q-CTRL is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to design and implement quantum algorithms and workflows focused on quantum error correction. You will collaborate across research and engineering to translate scientific advances into high‑impact software for our product offerings and live demonstrations.

You’ll develop solutions for quantum technologies, publish results, and contribute to production‑quality code using Python and open‑source packages.

Qualifications

• PhD required in Physics, Engineering, CS, or related discipline.
• Industry or postdoctoral experience in quantum error correction (QEC).
• Expertise in QEC codes such as surface and LDPC.
• Experience with decoders, compilation, or computation architectures.
• Publications or presentations demonstrating impactful research.
• Experience developing software for scientific experiments using Python.

Responsibilities

• Identify architectural bottlenecks for FTQC and implement efficient solutions.
• Research QEC aspects including decoders, compilation schemes, and computation architectures.
• Stay up to date with advances in quantum computing and QEC research.
• Apply knowledge from control theory, optimization, ML, CS, and data analysis.
• Publish high‑impact papers and present at top conferences.
• Collaborate with engineering to translate ideas into production‑quality software.
• Explain and present work clearly, incorporating feedback for collaboration.
• Use open‑source packages like Qiskit, NumPy, Networkx, SciPy, scikit‑learn, PyTorch to build research code.

Skills

Quantum computing theory

Python programming

Scientific communication

Research collaboration

Machine learning basics

Education

PhD in Physics, Engineering, CS

Tools

Qiskit

Cirq

NumPy

SciPy

scikit-learn

PyTorch

Rust

C++

Job description

About The Team

Quantum Computing Research team is dedicated to developing innovative methods to get the best possible performance from contemporary and next generation quantum computers. We push toward quantum advantage by developing cutting‑edge applications, employing AI, control theory, and physics principles to optimize and automate critical parts of the quantum computing stack. We conduct pioneering research looking toward the near future, including quantum error correction and the integration of quantum computers with high performance computing and data centers.

About The Team

Quantum Computing Research team is dedicated to developing innovative methods to get the best possible performance from contemporary and next generation quantum computers. We push toward quantum advantage by developing cutting‑edge applications, employing AI, control theory, and physics principles to optimize and automate critical parts of the quantum computing stack. We conduct pioneering research looking toward the near future, including quantum error correction and the integration of quantum computers with high performance computing and data centers.

About The Role

At Q-CTRL, we’re pioneering the future of quantum technology. Our research team is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to design and implement quantum algorithms and workflows that underpin our product offerings and external demonstrations. This role centers around quantum error correction (QEC) research. You’ll collaborate closely across research and engineering teams to produce high impact research and publication and to translate scientific advances into high‑impact software solutions.

As a Research Scientist, you’ll be responsible for developing solutions for quantum technologies and deploying them in the Q-CTRL product suite.

What you’ll be doing:

• Identify key architectural bottlenecks for a FTQC and implement efficient and reliable methods to solve key challenges facing real quantum computers
• Conducting innovative research on aspects of QEC, such as, but not limited to:
  • designing and optimizing decoders
  • developing compilation schemes and computation architectures for FTQC
  • optimizing logical operation schemes
  • using QEC primitives to boost near term applications
• Stay up to date with advances in quantum computing and QEC research, applying this knowledge to develop cutting‑edge methodologies
• Utilize methods from a range of fields, including control theory, optimization, machine learning, computer science, and data analysis
• Publishing high‑impact papers and presenting at top conferences
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate your ideas into production‑quality software
• Explain and present your work in clear and accessible language. Incorporate feedback and foster effective collaboration with colleagues
• Use open‑source scientific computing packages like Qiskit, NumPy, Networkx, Scipy, Scikit‑learn, and PyTorch to build high‑quality research code to develop, demonstrate, and test new algorithms and methods

Ideally you’ll have:

• A PhD degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Relevant industry or postdoctoral experience in quantum error correction. PhD graduates with proven track record in QEC research will be considered
• Expertise in top leading QEC codes such as the surface and qLDPC codes
• Expertise in one or more of the following: decoders, compilation, computation architectures
• A track record of conducting impactful research, demonstrated through publications and/or presentations in well‑regarded journals and/or conferences
• Experience in developing software for scientific experiments using Python

Skills we also value (one or more is desirable, but not required):

• Experience with high‑performance languages such as Rust or C++
• A strong background in relevant methods from fields such as control theory, optimization, machine learning, or data analysis
• Familiarity with error suppression techniques used in quantum computing, such as dynamical decoupling, readout mitigation, zero‑noise extrapolation, Pauli twirling, or pulse‑level optimization
• Familiarity with executing circuits in Qiskit or Cirq
• Exceptional scientific communication skills, evidenced by a track‑record of teaching, scientific outreach, writing, and/or speaking in front of both general and expert audiences
• Familiarity with hardware, such as FPGAs or ASICs
• A track record of winning contracts or grants

Salary

The targeted base salary range for this position is between $150,000 - $225,000 and will ultimately be determined by specific job‑related skills, experience, level, location and other contributing factors. Depending on the position offered, this role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses, equity and other forms of compensation outside of the targeted base salary range. For more information on benefits at Q‑CTRL, please visit our careers page at https://q-ctrl.com/careers.

About Q-CTRL

Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI‑powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real‑world impact. Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Huntsville, Berlin, and Oxford. Our teams bring together technical and multi‑disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we’re hiring talent to help scale every part of the business. We work quickly to turn cutting‑edge science into deployable technology. In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field‑validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry. At Q‑CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high‑performance culture. If you’re ready to help shape the future of quantum, we’d love to hear from you!

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.